Is it Time to Rethink the Use of Steroids for Pulmonary Leptospirosis?

J Assoc Physicians India. 2016 Mar;64(3):78-79.

Abstract

Pulmonary involvement is a fairly common complication of leptospirosis. A high dose of steroids is often used in the treatment of pulmonary leptospirosis. Here we report two cases who developed severe invasive fungal infections following the use of steroids for pulmonary leptospirosis. Routine use of steroids for pulmonary leptospirosis may do more harm than good as the evidence for this practice is sparse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Leptospira
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis*
  • Leptospirosis / drug therapy
  • Leptospirosis / mortality
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases / mortality
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Steroids